REREADING SCRIPTURE (2 TIMOTHY 3: 16-17) ST IN THE 21 CENTURY

This paper is an exegetical study that adopts the grammatical method to critically examine the solitary nature, role and purpose of the scripture in 2 Timothy 3: 16-17. The difficult question begging for an answer has made it the topic of much scholarly argument; why is it that the more the church gets populated with pious adherents the more moral decadence rises to the brim. The compounding problem is, in these last days, most parishioners subscribe to pursuit of worldly affairs. Many get abstracted st on this journey toward a reflective, intimate relationship with God. In the 21 century, most church denominations reduce in significance her spiritual vivacity because of secularism, liberalism and avariciousness. Most denominations underestimate the scripture and in so doing condone prosperity gospel, involvement in partisan politics, acquisition of occult powers to perform miracles and indulgence in immorality. The Word of God in recent dispensation lost its impact in the church that soils her hands in worldly affairs. As a result, parishioners may suffer from a lack of significance and diminished eternal impact for the cause of Christ. Our ministries may be void of relevance and palpable impact because many do not read, study and practice what the scripture portends. This paper calls for a rethink to reconsider 2 Tim. 3:16-17 in light of the scriptural authority for faith and practice and innovative trajectory to some fundamental matters the scripture is prophesying and projecting in these perilous times. The study is set out to regenerate the church in st the 21 century because she needs systematic renaissance. It is a total innovation, complete regeneration and self-restraint in all implications of church life. The only tool for invigorating the church is the scripture and when God's word ceases to be an exclusive authority for faith and practice then the church without authority turns out to be a corrupt and unrecognized institution.The bottom line deduced from the foregoing analysis purport a solution as a return to read, study, memorize, and meditate upon the scripture and apply it on a regular, on-going basis.

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